Diversity is a complex term that includes taxonomic, functional, spatial and temporal aspects of organisms
variety. Conservation policies must be supported by holistic studies of ecosystem function, must aim to
transform scientific knowledge into social responsibility creating a culture of respect towards nature and should
also include economic components. Mediterranean ecosystems will likely experience the greatest proportional
changes in biodiversity due to the substantial influence of land use and climate change as major drivers. Land use
includes not only rural abandonment but also intensive exploitation of native forests (cork oak woodlands) or
shrublands for animal or crop production. These last two are dependent on large Nitrogen (N) inputs. In this
paper we intend to show the responses of Mediterranean ecosystems to increased N availability in terms of biodiversity
and ecosystem functionality. We present two case studies: 1) a gradient of N availability due to a N point
source; and 2) N manipulative field experiment (doses and forms). With these results our aim is to pinpoint the
importance of improving scientific knowledge at a local level before we establish conservation policies at global
level. The two case studies reflect a strong influence of the N source on ecosystem function. Finally, we use the
SWOT (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats) analysis approach to underpin the complexities of human
intervention in the N cycle and the problem it poses for policies of plant conservation.

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